Take in a view of the Mississippi River from the bluffs at Lansing. (Photo: Jessica O’Riley)
By Jessica O’Riley
I’ve been longingly looking at my stacks of sweatshirts in my closet for the last two weeks, eagerly awaiting the cooler weather that will necessitate them. With the Iowa State Fair in the rearview mirror, that means crisp mornings, football games, pumpkin patches, apple orchards and fall colors are just around the corner. I say, bring it. Fall is my favorite season.
Iowa’s fall colors typically peak around the first two weeks in October, but it’s not too soon to plot a path to picture-perfect panoramas. There are lots of great places to visit for fall color, but the state’s northeast corner is especially showy. In addition to the colorful leaves, you get scenic river vistas, towering river bluffs, meandering streams and curvy roadways.
Here are five ideas for autumn adventures in northeast Iowa:
Yellow River State Forest, Harpers Ferry: Established by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935, the forest is home to Iowa’s only fire tower, built in 1963. The area includes opportunities for trout fishing, camping and more than 50 miles of multi-purpose trails for hiking and mountain biking. Take note: State forest trails are often less developed and more rugged than park trails, so plan accordingly.
Effigy Mounds National Monument, Harpers Ferry: These prehistoric American Indian burial and ceremonial mounds, many in the shape of animals, date from 500 B.C. to 1300 A.D. The park offers nearly 30 miles of trails at a variety of skill levels and sweeping views of the Mississippi River.
Mount Hosmer, Lansing: This is my favorite place in Lansing. Sure, the views of the Mississippi River and Black Hawk Bridge are incredible, but I love the backstory of this place even more. Harriet Hosmer won a foot race to the summit of the 450-foot-tall bluff during a steamboat layover in the 1850s. Her prize? Having the summit named after her.
The sun peeks over the horizon at Pikes Peak. (Photo: Jessica O’Riley)
Pikes Peak State Park, McGregor: This park features several overlooks atop a 500-foot-bluff just a short walk from the parking lot, as well as 11 miles of scenic trails. A boardwalk leads to Bridal Veil Falls and other scenic overlooks.
Driftless Area Scenic Byway: Prefer to enjoy fall colors by car? Take this 144-mile byway that crisscrosses through limestone bluffs, forested valleys and winding rivers in Allamakee and Winneshiek counties.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources produces a weekly fall color report, generally starting in late September, which indicates when peak color is anticipated in various parts of the state.
Contributor Jessica O’Riley of Pleasant Hill worked for nearly 20 years with Travel Iowa, the state tourism office, after a previous stint with the Iowa State Fair.
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